Radiation safety program

University of Idaho recognizes the importance of radioactive materials and radiation-producing equipment in the teaching and research activities conducted at the university. The university has a Broad Scope Radioactive Materials License from the Federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). The NRC expects the university to conduct our radiation safety program with meticulous attention to detail and a high standard of compliance. Because of the serious consequences to employees, students, and the public that can result from failure to comply with NRC requirements, Environmental Health and Safety conducts the radiation safety program according to the conditions of the university’s NRC license and NRC regulations. To simplify compliance, EHS created the Radiation Safety Manual. The purpose of this Radiation Safety Manual is to promote teaching and research activities that use radioactive materials while providing procedures which will ensure that all activities comply with the university's radioactive materials license.

The State of Idaho has the regulatory authority over the use of radiation producing equipment and requires all new equipment to be registered with the state. In order to have an authorization to use radiation producing equipment, please see the Application to Use Radiation Producing Equipment or contact EHS for further information.

The Radiation Safety Committee has the authority and responsibility to regulate all uses of radioactive materials for University of Idaho, consistent with the rules and regulations of the NRC. This authority includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• Authority to approve or disapprove of any proposed use of radioactive material.
• Authority to stop and prevent any existing use of radioactive material.
• Authority to approve, disapprove or prevent possession, storage or use of radioactive material.

The Radiation Safety Committee is also responsible for all matters pertaining to the formulation, administration, and operation of a comprehensive radiation safety program.

The University of Idaho Radiation Safety Program is a comprehensive program designed to ensure the safety and well-being of the university community and a healthy and safe environment. All matters regarding the program are managed through the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) in EHS, including training on the proper handling of radioactive materials (RAM), surveys and inspections, dosimetry monitoring, purchasing of RAM and waste disposal. The RSO also serves as the university's liaison with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and works closely with the university's Radiation Safety Committee.

The RSO prepares an annual audit of the university's radiation safety program activities as required by the NRC. Inspections of all university facilities where radioactive materials are used are conducted semiannually by the RSO; inspection information is then provided to the Radiation Safety Committee to monitor the use of RAM.

In order to possess and use radioactive materials at University of Idaho, you must be authorized to do so. This authorization is obtained through an application to the Radiation Safety Committee which reviews all applications and approves only those that meet certain restrictions. The application to use radioactive materials should be sent to the radiation safety officer for revision before the officer passes it over to the Radiation Safety Committee for review.

If you are an authorized user of radioactive materials, you will have quantities of liquid or solid waste to dispose. Please fill out the radioactive waste disposal form and make two copies of it. Send the original to the EHS office (mail stop 2030, email safety@uidaho.edu), attention RSO. Attach one copy to the container and keep one in your records.

The radiation safety officer collects certain quantities of radioactive waste and hires a waste disposal broker to transport the waste to a waste treatment facility and finally to a final disposal facility.

Laser safety focuses on the responsible use of devices that emit non-ionizing radiation across wavelengths from 0.18 µm to 1 mm. Safeguarding against the potential biological impacts of laser beams on eyes and skin is our top priority.

University of Idaho’s Laser Safety Program is specifically designed to promote the safe use of lasers in both research and instructional labs, while also protecting the environment. The manual is aligned with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI Z136.1-2022), serving as your comprehensive guide to laser safety.

Who needs to comply?

Everyone working with lasers at University of Idaho must adhere to the guidelines outlined in the Laser Safety Protocol (PDF). This means:

• Registering your lasers: Ensure your equipment is documented for safety tracking.
• Completing training: Equip yourself with the necessary knowledge and skills to operate lasers safely.
• Maintaining documentation: Keep records up to date to support ongoing safety practices.

By following these steps, you're not only complying with regulations, but actively contributing to a safer working environment for yourself and your colleagues.